Learn More About 2018 - 2019 USA Standard Baseball Bats

2018 USA Baseball Youth Bat Standard Change

All bats in this collection have been approved by USA Baseball for the 2018–2019 season.

Learn more about the new regulations taking effect in 2018 that could impact your youth bat buying experience.

Youth baseball bats will be undergoing some changes for the 2018 seasons. Effective January 1, 2018, USA Baseball will implement their new method for measuring bat performance in the testing of youth bats.

The new USA Baseball bat standard, or USABat, will allow youth baseball organizations to reach their goal of wood-like bat performance in order to preserve the long-term integrity of the game, as well as instill a sense of uniformity among leagues. To identify officially sanctioned youth bats, look for the “USA Baseball” licensing mark, located on the taper.

In addition to the new bat standard, the affected leagues will also now allow 2 5/8" barrel bats to be used in competitive play, provided they meet USABat regulations.

National Organizations with New USA Baseball Bat Standard

As the governing body for the sport of baseball in the United States, USA Baseball will institute this standard in the following national member organizations:

American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC)

Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball

Dixie Boys Baseball

Dixie Youth Baseball

Little League Baseball

PONY Baseball

If your youth league is governed by any of the organizations listed above, then you will have to purchase a new bat for legal play in 2018. If you have any further questions on the change, be sure to ask your coach or a league official.